Trail Type

Trail Difficulty

Δ Elevation (FT)

Mystic Lake via Sunrise Trail

Activities & Features

Notes

Mystic Lake via Sunrise Trail is a tough day hike or backpacking trip. The 22-mile hike ends with amazing views of Mount Rainier reflecting in Mystic Lake. Backcountry camping is available at the Granite Creek Camp, Mystic Campsites. The park says "the trailhead starts at 6,400 feet elevation at Sunrise and climbs moderately a short distance to the top of Sourdough Ridge. Views from here are mighty in all directions. Follow the Sourdough Ridge trail west to hook up with the Wonderland Trail. Take the Wonderland Trail to Skyscraper Pass, the second highest point on the Wonderland Trail. The way descends to Granite Creek Camp, then to the snout of the Winthrop Glacier. Stop here in the old moraine of the glacier. From this location, you will get a good look at massive crevasse fields high up on the Winthrop Glacier. The Wonderland Trail continues on and eventually enters a small forest where you will find Mystic Camp a short distance before you emerge into the beautiful meadows that surround Mystic Lake. This is flanked by Mineral Mountain to the south and Old Desolate to the north. The view of Mount Rainier reflected in the lake, especially at sunrise and sunset, is a highlight of the hike. There is a ranger patrol cabin near the lake that is staffed by a ranger many days throughout the summer." Mount Rainier has plenty of camping available. Cougar Rock Campground is located in the southwest section of the park, Ohanapecosh Campground is in the southeast, White River is in the northeast section and Mowich Lake is a small tent only campground in the northwest section of Mount Rainier.